Edison's Forecast

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 39, 12 April 1929, Page 8

Edison's Forecast

Views on Radio on 82nd Birthday N the occasion of the celebration of the 82nd birthday of the great inyentor, Mr. ‘Thomas Edison, a special meeting of America’s prominent citizens, including the President and Mr. Henry Ford, was arranged. During the celebrations the. great inventor Was asked his opinion on twenty-two questions, and the following pertaining to radio are of particular interest to /all who are interested in that sciepce. The inventor was asked: "Do you think that radio has been improved to any marked. extent during the past year, and what do you see for it in the next year?’ to which Mr. Thomas Edison replied, "Improvements are being made continually every year." Another question, "Will it ever be possible to completely eliminate static?" and the reply, "It is improbable." "What is your opinion of what electricity, machinery, and man’s genius will make the world 50 or 100 years from now?" "It is impossible to tell anything about it," replied Mr. Edison. "We don’t know a millionth of 1 per cent. about anything. Sound is the only feature that has been revealing to the men who have studied it." : Ps the evening Mr. Edison talked. to’ the people of the country over the air, and millions of Americans from coast to coast listened to the 31 radio stations of the National Broadcasting Company. "Ladies and gentlemen," he said to the radio audience, "this is Thomas A. Edison speaking from Fort Myers, Ylorida. "This has been such an eventful day, with so many kind messages from so many kind people that I find it difficult to express my heartfelt thanks. "J am still working hard, and I ask you to accept my efforts as a proof of my affection, instead of my words. I wish I could invite all of you to have some of my birthday cake, but unfortunately we can’t eat by radio just yet. I will have to work on'that problem. . "Well, good night everybody. ‘Thank you and good luck." ‘